Cao Jixiang was more in tune with the times than any civil or military official. Among eunuchs, he belonged to the loyal and upright sort, yet he was still better than those officials at reading the room and adapting to circumstances.
When the late Emperor met with disaster and the new Emperor ascended the throne, he knew his time had come to an end.
The late Emperor still had some affection for him. If he worked hard and rendered merit, he might yet have been transferred back to the Capital City—but who was he to the new Emperor?
Eunuchs were different from civil and military officials. They were somewhat like the imperial consorts of the inner palace: one only heard the new arrivals laugh, never the old ones weep.
So, after pondering for an entire night, he made a prompt decision and chose to curry favor with Pan Yun.
Times had changed. Who could blame him when Pan Yun had become the Imperial Preceptor?
He had been searching for an opportunity.
He was very patient, and this wait lasted two months.
What finally arrived was the Zhejiang Defense Against Wokou Army's great victory. Though Quanzhou Guard had also wiped out two Sea Pirate ships, their achievement was hardly worth mentioning beside the Zhejiang Defense Against Wokou Army's battle merits.
Cao Jixiang had long found Quanzhou Guard displeasing to the eye, and he knew Pan Yun disliked them as well.
Thus, while submitting two memorials in succession, he also secretly wrote Pan Yun a letter.
In the letter, he praised Miao Zhen, Miao He, and Tao Yanbai to the skies. This time, the Zhejiang Defense Against Wokou Army and Quanzhou Guard had won a sweeping victory, and the disciples of Mount Longhu Academy led by Miao Zhen deserved no small share